When are SATs in 2026?
This year's KS2 assessments take place over four days from 11 to 14 May 2026. The timetable is:
- Monday 11 May – English grammar, punctuation and spelling
- Tuesday 12 May – English reading
- Wednesday 13 May – Mathematics (arithmetic and reasoning)
- Thursday 14 May – Mathematics (reasoning)
What are SATs actually for?
SATs help to measure how your child is doing at the end of primary school and make sure they get the right support as they move into secondary school. They're not a pass or fail – they're a way of understanding your child's strengths and where they might need a little extra help.
Does my child need to revise?
The assessments only cover things your child has already been taught as part of the national curriculum, so there’s no need to put them under pressure to revise intensively. Their teachers will have been preparing them throughout the year. The most helpful thing you can do is keep things calm and positive at home.
How can I support my child at home?
You don't need to be an expert. Simple things make a real difference – reading together for ten minutes a day, practising times tables on the way to school, or just asking what they've been learning. Your encouragement and reassurance matters more than any revision guide.
Why does attendance matter so much right now?
Every lesson between now and May counts. Children who attend regularly are better prepared, more confident, and more likely to do their best in their assessments. Missing school in the weeks leading up to SATs means missing teaching, practice and the support their teacher can offer.
If your child is struggling to attend, please speak to their school as soon as possible. Schools are there to help and will work with you to understand what's getting in the way – there's no pressure to manage it alone.
What if my child finds the tests difficult?
The tests are designed to stretch all children, including the most able, so some pupils will find them harder than others. That's normal and expected. One of the purposes of the assessments is to identify where children may need more support, so that their secondary school can help them from day one.
What if my child has special educational needs or a disability?
Some children may be assessed under different arrangements if these are more appropriate for them. Your child's headteacher makes the final decision about how your child participates. If you have any concerns, speak to your school in the first instance.
When will we get the results?
Schools will receive results in early July. Before the end of the summer term, your child's school will send you a report including their test results and teacher assessment judgements. Results are given as a scaled score – a score of 100 or above means your child is working at or above the expected standard for their age.
Is my child’s school well supported to prepare for this?
Yes. It is our ambition that by the end of this parliament, outcomes will reach the highest level since current assessments began – meaning around 25,000 more children will leave primary school with strong foundations. The government has provided schools with new resources and support, including a Writing Framework for teachers, reading support through English Hubs, and preparation materials through Oak National Academy.
Who should I speak to if I have concerns?
Your child's teacher or headteacher is always the best first point of contact for any questions about your child's assessments, results or support needs.
Where can I find out more?
For more information on the tests and what the results mean, the Standards and Testing Agency has published leaflets for parents which will provide additional details about the tests and results process – these are available on Gov.UK.